England seamer James Anderson has described it as "surreal" as he became only the sixth bowler to take 500 Test wickets.

The 35-year-old, who began the third and final Test against West Indies with 497 wickets, ripped Kraigg Brathwaite's middle stump out of the ground with a textbook inswinger to reach the landmark in style on Friday.

Anderson, whose first wicket came against Zimbabwe in 2003, took his tally to 501 later with another unplayable delivery to bowl Kieran Powell as the tourists ended the day on 3-93 in their second innings for a lead of 22.

A setting sun, purple clouds and the blazing Lord's floodlights provided a fittingly dramatic backdrop for Anderson's big moment which earned him a standing ovation.

"It feels good. It's a bit surreal. I can't believe I have this many wickets or I have played this much cricket. I'm a bit relieved to have it out of the way," the Lancastrian said.

"Ideally I'd have done it yesterday but, from the team's point of view, we bowled really well.

"It's a great place to bowl. I got my first wicket here and now I have my 500th. My family and friends were in the crowd."